Ellison Inspires Voters at 1st 'Rock the Muslim Vote' Townhall Forum
September 24, 2008
More than 200 people attended the Muslim Public Affairs Council's kick-off "Rock the Muslim Vote" Election Townhall Forum at New York University over the weekend. Featuring Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN), MPAC Government Relations Director Safiya Ghori-Ahmad and Imam Suhaib Webb, the interactive forum stressed the importance of Muslim American voter participation at all levels.
"Getting engaged, getting involved, running for office, helping people run for office, organizing your community -- these are the things that are going to make a change come about," Congressman Ellison said. "We have to build the kind of country that we want with the help of some people who are like-minded. We cannot leave that responsibility to anybody else."
Forum speakers stressed the importance of Muslim civic participation, moving several attendees to consider a future in politics.
"Congressman Ellison inspired me to explore a run for public office," said attendee Fatima Ashraf. "The gap is there; it is up to us to fill it."
Government Relations Director Safiya Ghori-Ahmad also shared MPAC's "Activate '08 Voter Guide," which details the stances of the presidential candidates on issues of national security, civil rights, healthcare, the economy, the Iraq war, immigration, and U.S.-Muslim world relations. Voter registration was also conducted on-site by the Muslim Bar Association of New York and the Muslim American Society.
MPAC is dedicated to supporting the democratic process by helping to address the issues facing America and its diverse Muslim communities. "Rock the Muslim Vote" is a crucial means by which Muslim Americans can gain an in-depth analysis of the issues at stake during this election season, and learn about the ways in which they can further engage with the electoral process.
"The forums allow Muslim Americans to become further educated and engaged in a season where they are being largely villainized or ignored," said MPAC-NYC Director Naoma Nagahawatte. "Muslim Americans will hit the polls in record numbers this year. It's crucial that they be armed with as much information as possible."
To date, "Rock the Muslim Vote" Townhall Forums are also scheduled for:
- Oct. 11 - San Diego, CA
Islamic Center of San Diego - Oct. 11 - Manassas, VA
Muslim Association of Virginia - Oct. 12 - Los Angeles, CA
Islamic Center of Southern California - Oct. 12 - Boston, MA
Islamic Center of Boston at Wayland - Oct. 17 - Hawthorne, CA
Islamic Center of Hawthorne - Oct. 18 - Reseda, CA
Islamic Center of Reseda - Oct. 19 - Thousand Oaks, CA
Islamic Center of Conejo Valley - Oct. 24 - Dayton, OH
Dayton Mercy Society - Oct. 25 - Columbus, OH
Noor Islamic Cultural Center - Nov. 1 - Sterling, VA
All Dulles Area Muslim Society
To find out more about these forums, learn how you can schedule a forum in your city, or order printed copies of MPAC's "Activate '08 Voter Guide", please email elections@mpac.org or call (213) 383-3443.
